A week back, we were breathing in fresh air, basking in the sun and exploring the hills. This was Rey’s fifth vacation and the second one to the hills.

13-20 Nov, 2017 Manali

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So a few of you asked me how we managed to explore and walk so much with a toddler. The answer is in the photos. We wore Rey whenever we went for long walks and excursions. It not only kept him warm, but also safe and secure and did not slow us down allowing us to walk as much as 10kms a day. Yes. We like walking!

 
A few also asked how baby-wearing was compared to a pram as an option for a toddler.

Well here are a few things to consider before deciding:

⚬ Where are you going. Hot and humid vs cold and windy. Weather plays an important role in determining how comfortable your baby will be in either.
⚬ Is it pram friendly – smooth ramps, easy access etc. It can be cumbersome carrying a pram or a stroller if you have to constantly pick it to shift gears or lanes.
⚬ Crowded or wide open places.
⚬ Will you be shuttling in and out of buildings – taking stairs/escalators or elevators
⚬ For how long will you be out and about.
⚬ Baby’s comfort – is the baby used to being worn or prefers the stroller
⚬ Baby’s schedule and nap time
⚬ Traveling light or with luggage

Its not a comprehensive list, but just a few points I quickly jotted down. Would love to hear from parents the points they ponder and consider that helps make the decision.

Seen wearing here Meh Dai from Soul Slings.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulslings/

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― Augustine of Hippo

..And that is what we truly believe in. Rey has been on a few holidays in his 20 months, but mainly to the beaches and to the cities. Never to the hills.

What is life if not unpredictable? Sometimes, there are happy surprises too! This impromptu trip happened with arrangements made within less than 48 hours.

It was Papa who penned down our memoirs for us this time.. and beautifully so!

..In hindsight, it felt you were looking forward to it. From the moment we disturbed your deep slumber at the break of dawn to the metro ride to the railway station, lugging you around – uncomfortably, I must confess – in a mad frenzy lasting 10 minutes as we barely made the cut, you were a bundle of joy, happiness, and curiosity.

Your first train journey was no less memorable. Once perched on our seats, the sheer size of the coach dawned upon you. The first few seconds witnessed you bobbing your head sideways, clockwise and anticlockwise as you attempted sizing up the coach. The sheer curiosity made you walk the length of coach many times – sometimes with dad, other times with mom. You being you, slept on my shoulder as the train picked up the speed.

  

Your happiness knew no bounds at reaching our destination. It felt that your deep relation with the mountains goes beyond your tender age. You were like a bird whose wings were unclipped after years of captivity. Your insistence to be your own man while you attempted running downhill, much to the exasperation of your parents, your instinctive reaction of making a ‘boo’ sound at spotting monkeys, cows, and of course dogs, alike. And not to forget your love affair with ‘fan’ continued. A small market with a handful of shops was completely dissected by us, thanks to you wanting to point us to the ceiling fans in the shops. Much to our surprise you took fancy to the cobbled road as you greeted every step with an ear to ear grin.

Given your tender age, it should not surprise anyone to find you are uncomfortable in the presence of strangers. Here too, you defied the norm. You were your charming best, mesmerizing tourist and the locals with new antics that you either learned or discovered. One such antic was the eyebrow dance on an expressionless face.

Talking about you also helped us break the ice with the strangers. The relatively hassle free holiday in the mountains has given a much needed shot in the arm to us. While planning future holidays, we can either look down at the beaches or up at the mountains. Thanks Rey and cheers to many more holidays together.

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